Currently I’m an independent singer/songwriter out of Austin, TX. My second album “After Hours” is coming out later this year. This is the second single. The song was self arranged and recorded. I played every instrument on this song. This song was Mixed and Mastered by Dan Konopka of the band OK GO. The photograph for the cover was taken by Chris Van der Colff.
Here is a link to his IG:
https://www.instagram.com/christoph_65/)
The rest about me you can find at the following:
https://www.elitidmoremusic.com/
https://twitter.com/EliTidmoreMusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3QAVSoABL5qTwhHouO5K5H
I write and record all of my music. My main instruments are guitar and piano.
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
It’s the only thing that really makes sense to me. I guess that sounds kind of cliche, but it’s true. It’s the only thing that really keeps me interested and coming back for more. I make music that I would want to listen to. I don’t know if I’ll ever stop. I have a wide range of influences. I always feel weird when someone asks what influences me because I’m always thinking “Ok, I can’t leave anyone important out. Think. Think.” Honestly, it really depends on what mood I’m in. Everyone knows I’m a big Beatles fan. John Mayer is my favorite guitar player. I love a lot of current hip-hop and R&B too. I can say lately that this Danish duo “Phlake” has been in HEAVY rotation. I also like The Strokes’ new song.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
I’m not quite sure how to compare myself to other established artists. Everybody’s approach is different. I’m learning not to stress and just cruise in this race. I have the best music I’ve ever worked on coming out very soon and I’m really excited about it. I’d like to start expanding to a more hip hop/R&B style eventually. I just love that style of music. Joji seems to be doing pretty good for himself. I told my friend that I want my next album to be more Post Malone-y haha
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
I write about my experiences in life the best way I know how…which is to be very vague. I’m also a big fan of the idea that songs can mean whatever the listener declares it to be. I’m sure everyone has songs that are near and dear to them with their own special meaning, despite whatever feeling the artist was trying to project. So yes, I do write about experiences in my life. The people who know me personally might catch on to little details. I live by the saying of “less is more”.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
I don’t have a set songwriting schedule. I wish I did. If I could just write more songs carefree and not over-think things, that would be great. My first album was just a mix of a few years of songs I wrote on the guitar that could work being played live acoustically or produced to different genres. My new album follows this night-life theme of “After Hours” so theres more of a “story-like” approach to this one stylistically. Honestly, whenever inspiration strikes I just whip out my phone and record whatever I’m riffin at, whether it’s guitar or piano. I sing an idea or a melody or something. Then I live with that recording and listen to it when I’m driving or doing something else to really build a solid foundation of a song in my mind. I rinse and repeat this process until I have some kind of cohesive concept good enough to start recording.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed? Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
Well, to be honest..I don’t know what the future holds. Sure, I’m independent right now and there are a lot of benefits to that. Especially in this day and age of self promotion. But I’d be lying if I said it wouldn’t be nice if I could have a label’s help behind marketing and the tricky aspects of being an independent musician. I got lucky and had really smart friends that believe in me and are willing to help. I’d be open to any path if I see it as a chance for more exposure and success. Why wouldn’t I choose that?
6.) Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in music?
On and Off. It has its merits. When I’m staying busy, then yeah, the money is great. My best advice would be to do whatever makes you happy. I make music for myself at the end of the day. I have a laptop full of songs that might never see the light of day just because they were ideas that lived beautifully for a few days before I just moved on to the next big idea. When something is important to me, I’m gonna release it. My fans are probably rolling their eyes at this because I’ve barely released anything since ‘Chameleon’ in 2017. But trust me, you’re gonna be hearing a lot from me in 2020.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
Well, I grew up in the iTunes generation of the 2000s. One of my most distinct music memories is me and my friend Alex discussing music we had downloaded on our new iPod touches we were so proud of haha the market is super over-exposed, sure. But I feel like it just pushes people to put out more quality content. I mean, hell, this day and age is gonna forget about you in 2 weeks if you’re not constantly reminding them that you exist by releasing stuff. The bright side to this, is that there is consistently great music coming out. You just have to look for it.
8.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
No, and people who complain about that are stupid. But who’s to say? I LIKE the majority of pop music that comes out. I listen to everything. I appreciate when a song is super catchy. There’s a great art to that within itself. So, I guess what I’m trying to say is I’ll always write songs that are true to myself, but I want the mass majority to like them too. Is that too much to ask?
9.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Is this a job interview? haha Who’s to say? My favorite phrase is “I stopped trying to predict the future a long time ago” and I try to live by those words. The Eli Tidmore from five years ago is probably looking at himself right now a little confused but relieved that he released an album and is about to release his second one. He’d be happy he’s still going for it. He’d be relieved that he has people that connect with his music and genuinely enjoy listening to the content he produces. He’d also HATE that he’s speaking about himself in 3rd person on an Internet blog interview..I don’t know what’s gonna happen in five years. I’ll be 30 by that time…I don’t like thinking about it that way….But we already know how fast the world works these days. I’ll end this conversation with a lyric from a song on my upcoming album “After Hours” called ‘Empty’
“I’ve still got plenty of time left..”
There’s beauty in those words. No matter the context.